Unit 5 Reflection

        Throughout our unit, we learned an immense amount on DNA, and its role and function in the body. At first, everything was understandable, the content being fairly straightforward, when we learned about DNA replication and Protein synthesis. During DNA replication, the DNA is unzipped into two single strands, and then interpreted with proteins in order to make two identical DNA strands. This unzipping process is also used in protein synthesis, being the first step of DNA being converted into RNA in the nucleus. Soon after, the RNA moves to a ribosome, and is converted into amino acid code, eventually naturing into a brand new protein.

        This, however, does not mean that DNA is flawless. Occasionally, DNA can get mutations from mutagens, changing the genetic code in a positive or negative way. For example, some mutations can help lower cholesterol. On the other hand, some mutations can kill embryos within minutes, or put someone's life at constant risk. Mutations can also change nothing in the genetic code however. In general, there are three main types of mutation, being substitution, a mutation replacing one nucleotide with another one, insertion, where a nucleotide is added into the genetic code, shifting the rest of the nucleotides one way, and deletion, where a nucleotide is taken out of the genetic code, shifting the rest of the nucleotides another way. This is not to say that there are not other types of mutations though. For example, inversion, a mutation that reverses the nucleotides, exists, as well as many others.

        However, as the Unit progressed, I found myself getting confused more often, especially when the lesson on operons was shown. With some studying, I now know that operons are gene sets that are expressed through gene regulation in order to make proteins. Gene regulation is highly reliant on operators, using them as roadblocks in order to express or not express genes, which have the code to make proteins.

        I believe that I learned a lot during this Unit, not only in content, but in learning procedure as well. While learning about operons, I would  consistently look at diagrams, and see if I could label them myself, effectively quizzing myself on my knowledge. This has allowed me to better retain information taught in class and at home, and has made me a better student.